The Donald Trump Administration issued a strong message against narcoterrorism networks, promising to “degrade, dismantle, and eliminate” the organizations involved.
In a video posted on social media by the State Department, the administration stated that they will "liberate the Western Hemisphere from the yoke of narco-terrorists," according to the official statement.
The statement describes the criminal activity linked to drug trafficking as a “clear and present danger” to the region and indicates that, under President Trump's leadership, decisive actions have been taken to protect American citizens as well as to support neighboring countries.
It adds that 13 organizations have been designated as terrorists so far.
The text emphasizes that these structures “torture, threaten, mutilate, and murder with impunity” and labels them as “enemies of all humanity.”
Subsequently, he calls to “work together” with regional partners to stop these organizations, dismantle them, and cut the flow of drugs, arms trafficking, and illegal immigration that —he claims— they promote.
The statement does not provide details on schedules, locations, or specific operational measures beyond the general objectives outlined, but it emphasizes that Washington will maintain an active stance against the transnational criminal networks operating on the continent.
In this way, the U.S. raises its tone against narcoterrorism, promises to free the hemisphere from its influence, claims actions already taken and designations made, and calls for regional coordination to curb drugs, arms, and illegal immigration.
In the same vein, U.S. officials are developing options to carry out attacks against drug traffickers within Venezuela, a measure that could be activated in weeks and would represent a new escalation in the military campaign driven by the Trump Administration.
According to four sources cited by NBC News, President Trump has not yet given final approval. According to these sources —two U.S. officials and two individuals familiar with the discussions— the plans focus on drone operations against members and leaders of criminal networks, as well as strikes on drug laboratories.
The White House referred to a previous statement by Trump ("We'll see what happens... it's unacceptable").
The United States has increased its military presence in the region: at least eight ships and more than 4,000 troops have been deployed, along with F-35 fighter jets in Puerto Rico.
These events occur amid increasing tension between the United States and Venezuela, following the deployment of U.S. military forces in the Caribbean with the stated goal of combating drug trafficking.
The Trump administration accuses Maduro of leading the so-called Cartel of the Suns and offers a reward of 50 million dollars for information that leads to his capture, a claim that the Venezuelan government rejects.
Frequently Asked Questions about the U.S. Fight Against Narcoterrorism in Latin America
What is the goal of the U.S. in its fight against narco-terrorism?
The objective of the United States is to degrade, dismantle, and eliminate the narcoterrorist organizations that operate in the Western Hemisphere. The Donald Trump administration seeks to free the region from the yoke of these criminal organizations, thereby protecting both American citizens and neighboring countries from threats linked to drug trafficking, arms trafficking, and illegal migration.
What actions is the U.S. taking against the regime of Nicolás Maduro?
The Trump administration has labeled Nicolás Maduro's regime a "narcoterrorist cartel" and has deployed military forces in the Caribbean to confront criminal organizations associated with his government. The U.S. has offered a reward of 50 million dollars for the capture of Maduro, whom it accuses of leading the Cartel of the Suns, and has increased its military presence in the region as a pressure tactic.
How has Venezuela responded to the actions of the U.S.?
The government of Nicolás Maduro has rejected the accusations of drug trafficking and has described the actions of the U.S. as an imperialist threat. Venezuela has deployed troops and militias to defend its territory and has asserted that it will resist any attempt at foreign intervention while seeking support from its international allies.
What impact could the U.S. strategy have in the region?
The increase of the U.S. military presence in the Caribbean could lead to a rise in tensions in the region. This deployment can be interpreted as a sign of direct pressure on the Maduro regime and could result in armed conflicts if diplomatic tensions are not managed properly. Furthermore, the strategy could influence the geopolitics of the continent and exacerbate the migration crisis in the region.
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